Castro

Last week the Planning Commission unanimously approved the demolition and redevelopment of 240-250 Church Street, which previously housed 24-hour diner Sparky's, and continues to house decade-old bakery Thorough Bread and Pastry.

Safeway shoppers inside the Castro location at 2020 Market Street were met with a new sight over the weekend: automated gates and fencing to help deter shoplifting.

The Castro's newest Italian restaurant Vico Cavone officially opens this weekend in the former Firewood space at 4248 18th Street, after two weeks of a soft opening.

"We buy gay stuff," reads a sign at the base of the stairs leading up to Auto Erotica — which celebrated 25 years in the Castro this month.

An art gallery opens, a new pizza spot is on the way, and a fitness studio is moving.

San Francisco-based Réveille Coffee's Castro location at 4076 18th St. (at Castro) has permanently closed after seven years, while four other locations remain open.

After 30 years, Castro gay sex club and sauna Eros (2051 Market St.) has announced it will be moving to a new, undisclosed location.

A neighborhood art event has returned, two candidates for State Assembly open Castro campaign offices, a neighborhood organization awarded grant funding, special events continue at the Castro Theatre, and holiday events are being scheduled.

Oz Burger (formerly Quicky Burgers) has shuttered after two years at 4092 18th St. and will soon become Wicked 6 Bar & Bites, under the same ownership.

After four and half years in the Castro, Thai restaurant and brunch spot Me & Tasty (3970 17th St.) has closed.

A designer consignment shop moves home, Safeway changes its hours once again to combat shoplifting, and a new chiropractor and dog grooming business are on the way.

The historic 99-year-old Bank of America building at the corner of Castro and Market streets has been listed for sale for an undisclosed price.

The drummer for the Roots will be in the house for his hit concert documentary “Summer of Soul” as SFFILM resumes in-person screenings for its films.

After 14 years in the Castro, Daddy's Barbershop has permanently closed citing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new Spanish/Mexican-influenced restaurant Copas on Market (2223 Market St.) is now open in the space formerly occupied by Nomica and Izakaya Sushi Ran.

Last week, the San Francisco Public Works Department replanted nearly half a dozen palm trees along the 400 and 500 blocks of Castro Street.

In this edition: a Castro nightclub appears closer to reopening, a new hair removal salon has been proposed, an unnamed coffee shop fills a long-vacant space, and another coffee shop opens while one remains temporarily closed.

An employee is taking over the Castro’s Dog Eared Books location on September 15, and the bookshop will take on the new name Fabulosa Books.

The future of car-free Saturdays and Sundays along a two-block section of Castro's 18th Street is uncertain and on indefinite pause after the Castro Merchants cut ties with its event producer.

Cozy Castro bar Last Call (3988 18th St. at Sanchez St.) is set to reopen next week under new ownership after a 17-month hiatus caused by the shelter-in-place restrictions.

Bright Star Pilates studio is now open at 493 Sanchez St. (at 18th St.), formerly Unionmade men's store.

Pastrami sandwich shop Hot Johnnie's is now open at 4077 18th St., in the former Nizario's space, and it has a surprise back patio.

Art House SF gallery is now open at 2324 Market St., in the space formerly occupied by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

Church and Market wine bar Fig & Thistle Market (691 14th St.) has now become Millay, under the same ownership, with more of a focus on the wine bar aspect.

Freeborn Designs, in the former Flying Falafel/Socialhaus/Outfit space at 463 Castro, offers a variety of custom-tailored suits, blazers, and vests for both men and women.